Queen invites Meghan's mum to spend Christmas with the royal family

When the royal baby news was revealed in October, the grandmother-to-be was said to be "very happy about the lovely news" and looking forward "to welcoming her first grandchild", according to a statement from Kensington Palace.

A source adds, "It's a mark of the Queen's respect for Meghan and an acknowledgment that she doesn't have any other relations in this country - unlike Kate, who has the support of a very close family".

Mr Markle was due to walk his daughter down the aisle but pulled out at the last minute after it emerged he had staged paparazzi pictures in the days prior to it.

Doria introduced herself to guests on the day as "Meg's mom". Meghan Markle rocked an electric blue ensemble from her wedding dress designer Givenchy - but what most style spotters failed to notice was that the fabulous pleated skirt that she combined with the matching sweater was see-through!

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's first holiday as a married couple is sure to be a memorable one.